RESUMEN
Background: Despite high negative predictive values (NPVs) seen with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nares polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, utilization of both respiratory sample Gram stain and MRSA nares PCR in patients with pneumonia may contribute to overuse of laboratory resources. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if a Gram stain demonstrating no Gram-positive organisms from a respiratory sample is sufficient to allow for de-escalation of vancomycin therapy. Methods: This single center study retrospectively identified intensive care unit (ICU) patients started on vancomycin for presumed pneumonia at University of Wisconsin (UW) Health in Madison, WI between August 2022 and March 2023. Patients with respiratory sample demonstrating no Gram-positives on Gram stain met inclusion criteria if the sample was ordered within 24â h of vancomycin initiation. The primary outcome was NPV of respiratory sample Gram stain demonstrating no Gram-positive organisms with respect to MRSA detection of the respiratory culture. Secondary outcomes included the NPV of combined MRSA nares PCR plus respiratory sample Gram stain, and difference in time to event in patients that had both a respiratory sample and MRSA nares PCR ordered. Results: A total of 370 patients were screened for study eligibility; of which 99 patients met inclusion criteria. NPV of respiratory sample Gram stain was 99% for MRSA culture. The combined NPV of respiratory sample Gram stain plus MRSA nares PCR was 98.9% for MRSA culture (n = 88). Respiratory sample was ordered 2.3â h faster compared to MRSA nares PCR (4.3 vs 6.6â h, P = .036). Respiratory sample Gram stain resulted 4.5â h faster compared to MRSA nares PCR (10.7 vs 15.2â h, P = .002). Conclusion: Respiratory sample Gram stains demonstrating no Gram-positive organisms may be used to de-escalate vancomycin and deprioritize the use of MRSA nares PCR.
RESUMEN
Background: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most widely prescribed class of medications in the United States. Although effective in the treatment of acid related disease, inappropriate PPI use is prevalent, and long-term PPI use has been associated with adverse effects. Objectives: This evaluation explores the novelty of a student-pharmacist directed PPI deprescribing telehealth program with the goals of (1) determining whether PPIs are appropriately prescribed in Veterans via remote student-led chart reviews, (2) identifying if a gap exists between urban and rural Veterans prescribed a PPI, and (3) assessing the feasibility of integrating student pharmacists into the PPI deprescribing process utilizing telehealth visits through a pilot study. Methods: Student pharmacists evaluated PPI appropriateness in Veterans at the William S. Middleton Veterans Hospital. Students collected data via remote chart reviews, compared appropriateness of PPI therapy in rural versus urban Veterans, and conducted a deprescribing pilot call study in rural Veterans with inappropriate PPI indications. Clinical decision-making was agreed upon in collaboration with pharmacist preceptors, however all means of communication with Veterans was performed by student pharmacists. Results: 51% of Veterans were found to have an inappropriate indication for their PPI, though comparison of inappropriate PPI use in rural versus urban Veterans was not statistically significant (n=170, p-value 0.34). 83% of Veterans agreed to proceed with PPI deprescribing and 71% of Veterans ended the pilot study with at least some degree of PPI dose reduction (n=33). Conclusion: Inappropriate PPI use among rural and urban Veterans is prevalent, however a significant difference was not observed between the two cohorts. Student pharmacists are capable of successful telehealth deprescribing interventions in collaboration with pharmacists.
